Ricky Hatton hopes the damage has not been done to Tyson Fury as the former heavyweight world champion bids to overcome his battle with drink, drugs and depression to return to the ring.

Fury piled on seven stone after his stunning upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko to become heavyweight world champion in November 2015.

And after admitting to suffering from depression, Fury is closing in on his comeback after shedding the weight training in Hatton's gym.

Having already lost six stone, Hatton claims his friend is looking "sensational," but remains cautious having experienced his own drawn-out comeback.

"Psychologically, Tyson feels he's going to be a legend like Muhammad Ali and he believes that," said the former two weight world champion.

Fury is eyeing a return to the ring later this year (Image: PA)

Hatton says that Fury is looking good in training (Image: Getty Images Europe)

"It's just unfortunate he's like me, he's got a little gene - I don't know what it's called or where it is - but sometimes we lose it and lack a bit of confidence.

"But you can have those stages that he's been through and I've been through them.

"My comeback [vs Vyacheslav Senchenko, three years after being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao] didn't end up in a win but I lost five stone coming back from depression and suicide and drink and drugs and the whole shebang.

Fury and Hatton pose in training at the end of last year (Image: Internet Unknown)

Fury hasn't fought since he beat Wladimir Klitschko (Image: Getty)

"I picked a harder opponent than I should have done after what I had been through, that's because I'm strong mentally and Tyson is the same.

"But the damage had already been done with me, I just hope it's not been done with Tyson."

Hatton admits he has spoken to Fury about his struggles with depression, but that the 29-year-old may still not be prepared to seek professional help.

"We have spoken about it on numerous occasions when he's come to the gym," Hatton admitted. "When I see him away from the gym, when I bump into him, we have those conversations.

Hatton says that he has spoken to Fury about his struggles (Image: Getty)

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"But he's never looked to me for advice. The thing is with depression and mental health, you don't want to go and ask for advice.

"I do now but I don't know whether Tyson is still at that stage. It nearly killed me so I don't give a fuck who thinks I'm a wimp, I'm not a wimp, I'll go and ask for it.

"I think Tyson is one of those who thinks, 'I can do it myself,' which we've discussed. I said I couldn't do it."

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